Neverthorn

If you’re craving a story packed with found family, unique magic, academy drama, and a healthy dose of slow-burn romance, look no further: Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer delivers all that and more.

What to Expect:

✅ Scrappy, badass FMC in her late twenties
✅ Found family & talking animal companion (hello, Bandit!)
✅ Hilarious cursing hijinks (think The Good Place style)
✅ Deadly magical trials
✅ Two mysterious, swoon-worthy love interests
✅ High-stakes magic academy drama
✅ A sizzling slow burn
✅ Twists, betrayals, and a “holy sh*t” ending

Harlow is a former magic school dropout who’s spent years surviving the gritty real world. But when a prophecy demands her return to Neverthorn Academy, she’s reluctantly pulled back in, along with her lovable crew of magical misfits.

Now in her late twenties, Harlow isn’t your average student. She’s got grit, street smarts, and a mouth that’s been magically sanitized thanks to school rules. Her creatively censored curses are laugh-out-loud funny and give strong The Good Place vibes.

The worldbuilding is refreshingly original, with a magic system that’s as quirky as it is deadly. Trials test not only magical prowess but loyalty, trust, and determination. And just when you think you’ve figured out who’s good and who’s evil, the story flips it on you.

There are two potential love interests, both with their own deliciously shady pasts:

One is a broody professor from Harlow’s past with serious enemies-to-lovers tension.
The other is a charming new professor from a sister academy—definitely a friends-to-more vibe.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The burn? Exquisitely slow. And yes, there might be a kiss (but you’ll have to read it to find out).

I devoured this book in two sittings (and only stopped because, well, work). It’s fast-paced, hilarious, full of magic and heart and I need the sequel like, yesterday.

The ending? Absolutely ruthless in the best way. Shannon Mayer, how dare you leave us hanging like that!

If you love fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still packs an emotional punch, Neverthorn will be your next obsession.

📚 Rating: 5/5 Magic-Fueled Shenanigans 

💫 Can’t wait for Book 2!

Blurb:

n a realm where magic reigns, a legendary Hero once stood against the encroaching darkness. But with his death, hope dwindled, and the best the world can muster is Harlow Daygon—a thief, magic school dropout, and notorious troublemaker.

At nearly thirty, Harlow can’t even cast a simple rune without blundering it. So why does anyone think she can take up the mantle of Hero? Reluctantly, she’s dragged back to Neverthorn Academy with seven former classmates, tasked with training to confront and defeat the Villain of their world.

But the challenges are stacked against

Professor Hot-As-Sin makes it clear she’s a failure.

Professor Used-To-Be-A-Mean-Girl has a vendetta.

And lurking in her past is a secret so dark it could reveal she’s not the Hero the world needs—but the next Villain.

With fate hanging in the balance, can Harlow embrace her destiny before the shadows claim her?

Xoxo, Melissa